Audio Research Ref 3 Opinions

I am using the VTM 200 monblocks, which replaced a Theta Dreadnaught. I felt that I gave up some bass going to the VTM's until I switched to the WE tubes. Even without breaking in the bass improved in both strength and articulation.
I put a 6550WE from RAM last night but, I only played one album so can't comment on any difference between it and the 6L6GC yet. Also, I don't expect the Svetlana 6550C tube from ARC until next week.
I do have a new 6550C tube that McIntosh uses but, I don't know if it is a Svetlana tube or not.
I am hoping a friend of mine will be comming by this weekend to help with some audio comparisons. I like to have a second set of ears when trying something new.

Thank you Agaffer, keep us posted.

Last night I sat down for a couple of hours of listening. The 6550WE tube was so hot in the preamp it seemed like you could fry hamburgers on the lid. I found that worrisome and put the old tube back in.
Will try again when the 6550C from ARC arrives.

OK Agaffer, but how did the sound differ from that of the stock tube during those two hours?

It didn't sound any different, at least not that I noticed.